These photographs were taken in June up St Mark's Summit. The Summit is accessed from Cypress Mountain, which is a ski area 40 minutes from Downtown Vancouver. One of my favourite ski areas, might I add! Even in June, there is still plenty of snow on the mountain tops, though not visible from the photograph below. From the summit, you can take in view of Bowen Island and the Sunshine Coast across the Howe Sound.

Allow a good 5 hours in snowy conditions to get up and down.

To get here involves wading through knee deep snow, and once you do get here prepare to be greeted by the local inhabitants.

Meet this handsome red woodpecker. I have done my research, hit the books but I'm still unsure whether this is a red, acorn or downy woodpecker. Any suggestions are welcome. We heard this noisy neighbour long before we spotted its beautiful red plumage.

Chipmunks are a common sight, darting across the mountain tops.

But I have left the smallest bird with the largest personality until last. The Whisky Jack is an inquisitive and cheeky little bird, always trying to rinse everybody and anybody for an easy snack.